My son/daughter has been drinking and/or experimenting with marijuana or other drugs and I want to get them away from their negative peer group.

It is an excellent idea to get your son or daughter away from any negative peer group experimenting with drugs. If you don't act now, she may develop a substance abuse problem or even an addiction. Once her habits involve a physical dependency, they become exponentially harder to treat. If she is already physically dependent on drugs, she will have a very difficult time avoiding the substance if she stays in this peer group. They will encourage her to "party" with them, and just being with them will trigger cravings for the drug.

Simply having your daughter change schools within your geographical area often will not solve her problem. If she has been using drugs or alcohol because she has underlying psychological problems, she needs to address those problems with a professional therapist or she will seek out the "druggies" at the new school. She may be experimenting with drugs because of family pressures or problems stemming from adoption issues or a divorce situation. She may be suffering from poor self-esteem. Many children with undiagnosed learning disabilities like dyslexia fail at school and seek solace in the wrong crowd when the college-bound crowd rejects them. Children with psychological disorders such as ADD, Asperger's syndrome, or bipolar disorder likewise may have problems making friends and will do anything - even take drugs - to fit into a clique.

Often, a good emotional growth boarding school can address the "whole child" better than any public school or military school program. Specially trained teachers can help her learn better study habits and organization and get her interested in learning again. Psychologists and trained counselors can guide her through a recovery program, if needed. Although these schools are expensive, their approach is more likely to produce long-term results.

EXCEL Academy
EXCEL Academy is a recovery-focused college prep boarding school for troubled teens in Texas. If your teen would benefit from a sober boarding high school environment and a strong culture of recovery from substance abuse, then call 866-858-4883 to learn more about EXCEL Academy.

Teens Partying

SunHawk Academy
SunHawk Academy provides a residential treatment program for teens in a boarding school environment. SunHawk Academy offers help for troubled teens that are facing emotional problems, family issues, adolescent substance abuse, and academic difficulties. Each student at the Academy progresses through various levels, until they reach graduation. The levels have been designed to help the students measure their progress and achieve specific goals, including Academics, Substance Abuse recovery, Therapy and Leadership abilities. Learn more about SunHawk Academy by calling toll free 866-858-4883.